Unlock Falling In Reverse’s Guitar Tones & Mix Strategy

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a creative rut, churning out tracks that sound a bit too… predictable? You’re not alone. Even chart-topping bands like Falling In Reverse hit that point. Tyler Smyth, producer and mixer for the band, shared how Ronnie Radke himself pushed to break free from the “radio hit” formula, craving something fresh and undeniably them. This drive for innovation is a goldmine for us producers, offering killer insights into crafting unique sounds and impactful mixes.

Ready to dive into how Tyler Smyth approaches Falling In Reverse’s massive sound? Let’s go!

Ditching the Formula: The Quest for Unique Guitar Tones

When Falling In Reverse decided to shake things up, it meant rethinking everything, especially the guitars. Tyler Smyth’s approach is all about finding tools and techniques that deliver aggression and character, often by reaching for the less obvious.

Helix Native: The Modern Workhorse

A go-to for Tyler is Helix Native. While he likes to switch things up, Helix Native provides a versatile platform. He specifically mentions a fondness for tools that “nobody uses,” as it helps carve out a unique sonic identity. So, even if Helix is popular, his way of using it, combined with other elements, contributes to that distinctiveness.

Amp Emulation: Mesa Nostalgia & Beyond

When it comes to amp sounds, Tyler often defaults to Mesa-style emulations, like anything with a “Tread Plate” vibe. He jokingly admits to coming from the “Pod Farm era,” and that love for the iconic Mesa/Boogie Diamond Plate sound still influences his choices. It’s about finding what resonates and what delivers the punch.

IRs are Key

Impulse Responses (IRs) play a crucial role in shaping the final guitar tone. Tyler incorporates IRs to get the speaker cabinet character just right, placing the IR loader strategically in his signal chain.

Boosting for Aggression: Tube Screamers & Creative Overdrives

To get that tight, aggressive chug, a Tube Screamer (or a plugin emulating one) is a classic choice. Tyler mentions starting with settings “in the middle” and tweaking from there. But he doesn’t stop at the obvious. He’s also used an OCD pedal for a long time and even experiments with bass overdrive plugins on guitars for unique textures. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional pairings!

Here’s a typical starting point Tyler might use for a heavy rhythm tone:

1. Distortion/Overdrive: A Tube Screamer or OCD-style pedal. Start with drive low, tone in the middle, level high.
2. Amp: Mesa “Tread Plate” or similar high-gain model.
3. Cabinet/IR: A well-matched IR to the amp style.

The “Bedroom Producer” Ethos: Your Sound, Your Rules

Tyler embraces the “bedroom producer” mentality. His philosophy is that the tools and techniques he uses should be accessible, empowering you to apply them to your own projects. It’s not about gatekeeping secret formulas.

He shares an insightful story about his early days with Joey Sturgis. Instead of Joey spoon-feeding him techniques, Joey wisely let Tyler find his own path, believing that direct instruction might hinder the development of a unique style. While frustrating at the time, Tyler now sees the immense value in that approach. It’s a reminder that your journey, your experimentation, and even your “mistakes” are what forge your signature sound.

Strategic EQ: Making Guitars Roar (Without Overpowering)

In a dense Falling In Reverse mix, guitars need to be aggressive but also sit right. Tyler often EQs the entire guitar group rather than individual tracks for cohesion, especially when the song isn’t primarily guitar-driven. The goal is to find a way to make them aggressive but also strategically “tucked” into the mix.

This might involve:

• High-passing: Removing unnecessary low-end rumble.
• Low-passing: Taming excessive fizziness, getting rid of that “digital hiss sound at the top.”
• Mid-range sculpting: Carving out space for vocals and other key elements while retaining punch.
• Noise Reduction: Cleaning up any unwanted hiss or hum from high-gain setups.

He also mentions using tools like a “tongue shaper” (likely referring to a dynamic EQ or a specific shaping plugin) to add “flavor” and character, comparing it to cooking with spices. It’s about more than just corrective EQ; it’s about enhancing the tone.

Serve the Song: The Ultimate Guiding Principle

One of the most powerful takeaways from Tyler’s insights comes from an unexpected place: a rap producer named 30 Roc (or Rock 30), known for Roddy Ricch’s “The Box.” 30 Roc talked about how, despite his song being structurally simple (around 20 tracks), it was a massive hit. His crucial point? “Sometimes you just gotta get out of the way and let the rapper rap.”

This resonated deeply with Tyler, who admitted that early in his career, insecurity often led him to “do too much” – overly complex drum fills, excessive layers – to prove his value. The realization was that production should always be in service of the song, even if it means pulling back or going against what the label or even the artist initially thinks they want.

Falling In Reverse’s more experimental tracks, sometimes lacking traditional song structures or hooks, are a testament to this. They are “the antithesis of a hit song” by conventional standards, yet they’ve achieved massive success, including radio play and #1 spots. This proves that authenticity and serving the song’s unique journey can lead to incredible results.

Want to Go Deeper with Falling In Reverse?

Hearing Tyler Smyth break down his philosophy is inspiring, but what if you could see him apply these techniques to an actual Falling In Reverse session?

That’s exactly what you get with Nail The Mix. We provide you with the actual multi-tracks from massive artists, and then the original producer or mixer (like Tyler Smyth for Falling In Reverse!) walks you through their entire mixing process, from raw tracks to finished master.

If you’re ready to learn how to craft aggressive, polished, and unique mixes like those heard on Falling In Reverse records, then you need to check out our exclusive session with Tyler Smyth. You’ll get to see him:

• Dial in those signature guitar tones.
• Tackle Ronnie Radke’s dynamic vocals.
• Make the drums punch through a dense arrangement.
• Apply his “serve the song” philosophy in real-time.

Dive into the Falling In Reverse mixing session with Tyler Smyth on Nail The Mix!

At Nail The Mix, you don’t just learn theory; you learn by doing, with guidance from the best in the business. Plus, you get access to a massive vault of previous sessions, exclusive plugins, and a supportive community of fellow producers.

Final Thoughts: Experiment and Finish!

Tyler Smyth’s approach to Falling In Reverse is a masterclass in balancing technical skill with creative vision. Remember to experiment with unconventional tools, trust your instincts, and always, always serve the song. And critically, as Tyler reminds us, “don’t forget to make a song and finish it.”

So, take these insights, fire up your DAW, and start crafting your own unique, aggressive, and impactful mixes!